Combining the zen-like approach of backpacking, the physical workout of hiking, and the joys of powder boarding, splitboarding is a decades old subgenre of snowboarding that has really made the move from niche to mainstream in the last handful of years.
For a primer, a splitboard is a snowboard that separates into two ski-like halves that, when used with climbing skins for uphill traction, can be used to ascend a slope like a traditional ski touring setup. Key to the setup is a special set of bindings that can be detached from the snowboard and reattached in a forward facing position on the board is in split ski mode.
In the past decade two main splitboard binding brands have emerged to own most of the market—Spark R&D and Karakoram. Both use novel designs and largely metal components. Allegiances are so strong, any mention of a third brand is often met with a quick scoffing dismissal. That said, we’re here to raise the controversial opinion that the Union Expedition Splitboard Binding is in fact, the best splitboard binding out there.
